US removes Syria's designation as State Sponsor of Terrorism

The United States officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, a move that took effect after a 45-day congressional review period. This decision, formally notified to Congress on July 8, followed President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government taking "positive actions" to distance Syria from international terrorism, as stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed hope that this removal, which he called the "last obstacle," would facilitate Syria's reintegration into the global financial system and boost investment. Syria had been on the list since 1979, and its removal is expected to alleviate legal and compliance risks for firms considering investment in the war-torn country. The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, stating it "will support economic recovery, help create the conditions for reconstruction, and strengthen stability and security in Syria and the region."